Heading into Week 2 of the preseason, every rep is becoming invaluable. There are only so many plays left for players to make if they want to impress their coaching staff and make the cut for the 53-man roster. One Baltimore Ravens defender is facing the pressure more than any other, and his back is against the wall.
Outside linebacker David Ojabo came into the NFL with limitless potential. He seemed like a can’t-miss prospect in 2022, offering explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and a deep bag of tricks to beat opposing offensive linemen. Unfortunately, much in part due to an Achilles tear at his pro day, he has yet to showcase those traits with the Ravens.
Preseason is the perfect stage for Ojabo to break out. He was in the spotlight in Baltimore’s Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. He sacked Anthony Richardson for a highlight reel play, showcasing great speed and burst. By the end of the night, Ojabo, who logged 37 snaps, finished with a 74.9 grade per Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Next up, Baltimore takes on the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night. It is a massive opportunity for Ojabo to put together back-to-back quality games, as he continues to take strides toward earning one of the final roster spots. At his press conference on Monday, Ojabo shared his mindset as the team inches closer to the regular season.
“Play fast, have fun, and control what I can control, which is my effort and my attitude.”
David Ojabo faces crucial test against the Dallas Cowboys
Ojabo will need to carry that strong start into Baltimore's matchup with the Cowboys. The pass rush unit is packed with talent. Six players have a realistic shot to make the team, and although all six could stick around, the final spot will likely come down to Ojabo and Adisa Isaac.
While Ojabo performed better on Thursday night, as the Penn State product turned in a measly 61.4 PFF grade, Isaac was a third-round pick in last year’s draft class. He was also injured for the majority of last season and has yet to have a fair chance to get his feet off the ground. Ojabo has faced a similar tale, but he has had 18 games to impress and has yet to do so.
Still, Ojabo has a strong chance to make the roster. He has loads of potential, and this offseason has been the first where he has been fully healthy. The spot is right there for the taking, and it sounds like the 25-year-old is heading into the rest of preseason and camp with a fearless attitude.
“Feel like myself. Feel confident. Just letting it rip,” Ojabo said. “I’m just thinking about football. I'm doing good, just keep getting better day by day.”
There are only a few weeks left to prove he deserves another shot in Baltimore, and Ojabo must do that on Saturday.